HorseRacingNation.com NewsWirehttp://www.horseracingnation.comThe latest horse racing news and commentary.(c) 2009, HorseRacingNation.com, All rights reserved.5My First Triple Crown<div>History, tradition, story telling, our sport is riddled with it all, and as we approach the 12th potential <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/stakes/Triple_Crown" target="_blank"><b>Triple Crown winner</b></a>&nbsp;we start recalling the first Triple Crown bids we witnessed. I have heard endless stories over the past few days of fans that had eye witness accounts of Secretariat winning the crown or of watching Affirmed go on to capture theTriple Crown. Mixed in with those stories are the disappointing stories from fans that remember all too well that Sunday Silence failed, Smarty Jones couldn’t get there and Silver Charm didn’t have the heart that day. But every fan remembers their first Triple Crown experience; it’s time for me to tell you mine. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>In 2011 the Breeders Cup Juvenile was full of horses with talent, impressive young resumes and big dreams. The speedy Hansen came out on top that day but I remember being ultra impressed by the runner up Union Rags and the third place finisher was no slouch either.&nbsp;I thought that if these 3 kept healthy and made the Derby we could in fact see a Triple Crown winner. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Juvenile Champ Hansen came back to battle in the Holy Bull Stakes, the Gotham and the Toyota Blue Grass before going into the Derby. By then I think it was evident that he may not be Kentucky Derby material, but he was entered just the same and placed only 9th.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Runner up Union Rags, with his flashy resume, jumped back on the Derby Trail with a win in the Fountain of Youth. I was always fond of that horse and was a little nervous about his regular jockey opting to go with Algorithms, but Leparoux was able to find the winners circle that day in Florida. Unfortunately,that would be the last time Leparoux was able to find the winners circle with the large Dixie Union colt and he settled for third and seventh in the Florida and Kentucky Derby respectively. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Creative Cause was the horse I thought would be the most memorable on the Derby trail from the west coast. He finished 3rd in the San Vicente, 1st in the San Felipe and 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby behind our eventual hero, I’ll Have Another.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>As for the rest of the field, who can remember it was so long ago but I know Bodemeiste rturned the whole Derby picture upside down with his breathtakingly brilliant performance in the Arkansas Derby and then there was Dullahan who impressed with his closing kick to beat out Hansen in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Both of these horses were hardly on my radar before that but then I had to start considering that if they were to win the Derby, would there be a Triple Crown winner? </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I was slow to dismiss either one because I thought 2012 would be that magical year where Triple Crown wishes came true. Of course I thought it was going to be Union Rags that would silence all the haters of the greatest sport alive and come charging through like a hero. But after the Derby, it was not meant to be. At least it was not meant to be Union Rags;instead my hopes fell upon the shoulders of a 25 year old jockey and his horse, I’ll Have Another. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>I was skeptical heading into the Preakness (but I still put money on him just in case) felling&nbsp;like I would have to wait another year. I can remember it like it was only a week ago, the second favorite <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Ill_Have_Another" target="_blank"><b>I’ll Have Another</b></a>&nbsp;was gearing up to take on the ultra impressive Bodemeister in a race that was fit just for Bode. Despite winning against Bodemeister in the Derby, the horse still did not have the respect of the betting public. But breaking out of the gate the ever so calm jockey guided his heart of a champion horse around the Pimlico Track in good position. Turning for home they would find themselves in a stretch duel for the ages taking on Bob Baffert’s wonder horse and his hallof fame jockey, Mike Smith. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><img src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/anzyeasw.jpg" style="float: left; ">Down the stretch they came; first I thought that IHA wouldn’t get there, then he looked like he was coming on strong and with 1 furlong left to go it appeared that Bodemeister was going to make me wait another year to witness a Triple Crown. Then I have no idea what happened,but IHA started making up ground, he was closing on Bodemeister and as they reached the finish line I was screaming too loud to hear the call but it appeared I’ll Have Another made it up in time to finish first. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>There was a quick photo that showed I’ll Have Another finished first by a neck over Bodemeister. After that the celebration began, fans spoke of all the reasons they love the sport, people who never watched were asking about the horses and the sport and of course, the negative people were ready to break any story they could about this IHA team. But for weeks after, we celebrated. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>The <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/stakes/Belmont_Stakes" target="_blank"><b>2012 Belmont Stakes</b></a>&nbsp;came and nerves were high; I don’t know how the jockey or trainer was feeling but by then my nerves were shot. The only thing standing in the way of our great I’ll Have Another and the history books were about 12 other horses. But I think the biggest obstacles in his way were the inexperienced jock on a Belmont track, Dullahan and my Union Rags. </div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>But the humble jock climb aboard his mount and they made their way to the track while a sold out crowd sang “New York, New York”. I was still trying to calm my nerves as they loaded into the gate, but as the gate doors flew open and they all broke I couldn’t keep myself calm anymore. A million things raced through my head; ‘what if he wins’ or ‘what if he doesn’t’ or ‘why is the Belmont so long’. I waited there, holding my breath with 50 million of my closest friends also watching at home. They turned for home and I’ll Have Another was still in a great spot, he was making up some ground on Union Rags who had been out a little ahead of him. The only thing he had to do was make sure his kick and his heart was bigger than Dullahan’s. They came closer and closer to the finish line and finally with about 150 yards to go our hero started to rally. He was making up ground, but so was Dullahan, then finally at the wire….</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Well, I know it isn’t past yet but this is my first Triple Crown bid and this is the story I will tell the next generation of horseracing fans. So what’s your story? </div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/My_First_Triple_Crown_123Wed, 23 May 2012 16:21:04 GMT3Monday Morning Quarterbacking<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><img src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/hads2jlh.jpg" style="float: left; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">The dust from the Derby has settled and it’s time for a little wrap up. I know I said I would never do this, I usually detest when this happens but really, it is time for some Monday morning quarterbacking. &nbsp;I usually try to stay loyal to the jockey, I assume that he gives the horse the best ride possible and I know that I could do no better. BUT, when mistakes are so obvious I just can not stand by blindly defending my favorite jockey. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">I remember right after the Arkansas Derby, the commentator turned to Hall of Fame jockey <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Gary_L_Stevens" target="_blank">Gary Stevens</a></b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Gary_L_Stevens" target="_blank"> </a>and asked if he were still riding who would he chose to ride in the Kentucky Derby. I expected more hesitation out of Gary Stevens (a huge supporter of <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Mike_E_Smith" target="_blank">Mike Smith</a></b>) but without hesitation he replied, ‘Union Rags’. Well, all I can say is I wish he would have been riding <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Union_Rags" target="_blank">Union Rags</a></b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Union_Rags" target="_blank"> </a>on Saturday as well. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">The Florida Derby was a bad race for this talented colt but I kept my faith because I know this horse has the potential and also because I thought for sure this jockey would not make the same mistake twice. During NBC Sports’ coverage of leading up to the Derby, they asked Gary Stevens about the trip in the Florida Derby changing his mind and he replied, “No, the jockey learned something that day and he will not make that mistake again”. This was my thinking exactly. I thought, <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Julien_R_Leparoux" target="_blank">Leparoux </a></b>was boxed in then stayed too close to the rail when there may have been room to get out and go around horses in the Florida Derby…BUT…there is no chance in hell he is going to do that again in the Kentucky Derby. This horse and jockey really learned something in the Florida Derby. Well, I think the only person who learned something was <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Michael_R_Matz" target="_blank">Michael Matz</a></b>. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><img src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/Leparoux.jpg" style="float: right; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">As the gates flew open this past Saturday in the Run for the Roses, I saw Union Rags get pinched back, but I wasn’t worried. I knew that Leparoux would let the other horses go ahead out there and he would take the horse on the outside of the other horses along the backstretch so that he would have a good position heading home. I know that the others are going to try to have ground saving trips, but I think Leparoux knows that he could go wide with this horse and he will still make the strong run to the finish line. So…I waited for him to take the horse wide…and waited…and waited…then I hear the words from the announcer, “Union Rags is in trouble!” My heart about stopped, in trouble, how could that be? Leparoux has to be starting to take him to the outside by now; they are coming around the turn. But no, there is Leparoux checking behind the one horse the whole world knew not to follow, <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Trinniberg" target="_blank">Trinniberg</a></b>. That was it; that is when I knew the Derby was over for him. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">I sat in disbelief, not at the winner getting up he is a great horse and is very deserving of his win. Not in <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Bodemeister" target="_blank">Bodemeister</a></b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Bodemeister" target="_blank"> </a>quitting; he and Smith put on a tremendous performance and I have nothing but admiration for them both. I think <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Dullahan" target="_blank">Dullahan</a></b>’s late run was remarkable considering he may not be a dirt horse. Then there is <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Went_The_Day_Well" target="_blank">Went the Day Well</a></b>, <i><span style="color: red; ">wow</span></i>, once he kicked on for home he made up tremendous ground. I was so very impressed with him. But for Union Rags to finish 7<sup>th</sup>…I would love to say no excuses and no blame…but I would be lying. I do know one thing for sure; I am off the Union Rags bandwagon. At least until they find a jockey that fits him. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">Congratulations to the winning connections on their Derby win; they were the best that day!!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</div> http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/Monday_Morning_Quarterbacking_123Mon, 07 May 2012 13:12:24 GMT11Ready to Make My Derby Selections<span style="color: #000000; ">&nbsp; <br></span><div style="line-height:normal"><img src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/kwwmqoue.JPG" style="float: left; "><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">Yesterday was the <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/polls/current/kentucky_derby_2012_contenders">Kentucky Derby</a></b> Post Draw so I guess that means that I can’t put it off any more. I have tried to wait till the very last moment to announce my top 5 Derby Picks, but the time has come. There are so many horses in this field that could win the Derby picking out five of them as your favorite is no easy task, but here they are. </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">#5 Wood Memorial runner up, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Alpha">Alpha</a></b>- I always thought this horse could be a strong contender in the Derby if he figured out his gate issues and it looks like he has. Pulling post 11 is the worse post for this son of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Bernardini">Bernardini </a>because he will be the first to load along with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Daddy_Long_Legs">Daddy Long Legs</a>. I was thinking about tossing him after the draw, but I think he was very good in the gate last time out and I am sure McLaughlin has been schooling him. I also think that the pace of the race may set up for exactly what Alpha is looking for. So with all that, I am keeping him on my ticket. </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal;"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">#4 Spiral Stakes Winner, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Went_The_Day_Well#">Went the Day Well</a></b>- This horse was never on my radar but after watching him win the Spiral and seeing such a great post position I put him in my top 5. I was not a fan of his because I was never that big on Animal Kingdom. The connections tell us he is a few strides better then Animal Kingdom but truth be told, he better be because this year’s field is better than the one faced by Animal Kingdom. I don’t think he will find much trouble with his draw, I don’t think distance will be an issue; I think the horse is fresh and relaxed and ready to go so for that reason I am putting him on my ticket. </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">#3 Sunland Derby Winner, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Daddy_Nose_Best">Daddy Nose Best</a></b>- I went back and forth on this horse but checking out the pace that should be in this race, I think he could be your winner. This race should set up for his hard closing style with the likes of Hansen and Trinniberg speeding off early. I think you may have a perfect storm brewing for a Daddy Nose Best Derby win. You have a horse that is getting over the track impressively, with a good post (not that it matters with a closer), in a race that is going to have a very fast pace for this closer to run at down the stretch and what I think is the best closing jockey in the nation. I will gladly take my 20-1 chances on this horse. </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">#2 Arkansas Derby Winner, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Bodemeister">Bodemeister</a></b>- The way this horse won the Arkansas Derby says it all, how can you not like this horse? He was so relaxed when he won the Arkansas Derby, he looked like he was just floating over the track at his leisure and he just happened to be in a race. I never saw his jock really ‘ask’ for anything from this horse so it is all saved up for this Saturday. But, I think he is going to need it. In the Arkansas Derby he had things his own way, out on the lead, setting the pace, no trouble…I don’t know if it will unfold that way for him this Derby day. That being said, this horse is a very talented horse and should be able to overcome whatever is thrown at him. That is what I am betting on anyway. I know he doesn’t have the experience, but not only do I think this horse has the chance to break the long standing Derby rule but if he stays health there is no telling what other 34 year old droughts he may break. </span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">#1 My pick since last November, <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Union_Rags#">Union Rags</a></b>- I know that when we are placing our money on horses there is no room for emotional bets, but I don’t care. I was so impressed with his second place finish in the Juvenile. He was so close and covered SO MUCH ground. I thought for sure as he stretched out longer, the better he would be. I thought, ‘if they could just teach this horse to run straight down the lane, he would be dangerous’. They must have taught him just that because he won the Fountain of Youth going straight. He was impressive, but this is a game of ‘what have you done for me lately’ and that win has been forgotten a little. Then came the Florida Derby, where he was sure to win but Castellano would make sure that didn’t happen. My Union Rags was boxed in right out the gate and had nowhere to go. Once he found a hole, he started with his long strides toward the finish line, it was too late but I think that may have been his most educational race. He was put in a position that you just can’t train for, but he knows what it is like to find trouble and his jockey definitely learned something that day. &nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="line-height:normal"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">So there are my favorites for the Derby, till next week I wish you all the best of luck!</span></span></div> http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/Ready_to_Make_My_Derby_Selections_123Thu, 03 May 2012 04:15:57 GMT5Goodbye to Gracie<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;"><img style="float: left;" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/jktzynmm.jpg">While writing my congratulations blog to <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/John_R_Velazquez" target="_blank"><strong>Johnny V</strong></a> on his recent induction into the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame I learned the disappointing news of Havre De Grace. While trying to be upbeat and excited for Johnny V finally getting the nod to join our Hall of Fame, I am fighting back feeling of heartbreak over our lost of Gracie.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">I was supposed to be giving you statistics about Johnny winning over 4800 races and earning over $264 million in purses. I was going to tell you about how he has won 8 Breeders Cups, a Dubai world cup, Oaks, a Belmont, a Kentucky Derby and has a great chance again this year with Went the Day Well. I was going to tell you that he has been in the top 10 in career earning every year since 2000. He broke into the top 5 in earnings 9 times during those years leading him to receive 2 Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Jockey.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">But since the news has broken about <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Havre_De_Grace" target="_blank"><strong>Havre De Grace</strong></a>, all I can do is reflect back on her. Since 2009, fillies and mares have dominated our Horse of the Year honors and our greatest moments. In 2009, I fell in love with this game thanks to a filly for the ages. She left racing in 2010, but <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Zenyatta" target="_blank"><strong>Zenyatta</strong> </a>was still there for us to enjoy and enjoy we did. But she too left after 2010 allowing two other fillies to fill these incredibly big shoes. And thus the rivalry started…</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">Blind Luck and Havre De Grace mesmerized us with their stretch duals and the fact that neither horse was able to really shut down the other. Blind Luck would win one, Gracie would win one, and then <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Blind_Luck" target="_blank"><strong>Blind Luck</strong></a> would get the next one. This went back and forth and I was captivated with both. They were exactly what I was looking for and they never, EVER disappointed.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">It was only fitting that they would meet for the first time in Delaware as that would also be the site of their last meeting. Their final meeting in the Delaware Handicap would be not only my favorite performance of theirs, but my 2011 moment of the year.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">Shortly after, Blind Luck was retired and Gracie took her fight to the boys. She was left alone carrying the torch in the ‘great filly and mare years’. She would stand up to the challenge despite a disappointing 4<sup>th</sup> place finish in the Breeders Cup Classic. But after a little rest, she came right back to win the New Orleans Ladies. We thought that we would see her in the Apple Blossom, but that was not to be. We then couldn’t wait to see her in the Fleur de Lis, but that too was not in the cards. Our reigning Horse of the Year has been retired due to injury.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 10pt;">It was a workout that forced her into retirement and now we are looking for someone else to carry the torch passed on to Gracie from the likes of <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Rachel_Alexandra" target="_blank"><strong>Rachel Alexandra</strong></a> and Zenyatta. Thankfully, we may not have too long to wait; Kentucky Oaks is 11 days away. Until then, as I have had to say before, thanks for the moments that you left for us Grace. You will be missed on the track and may you continue to be blessed in your next career. </span></p> http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/Goodbye_to_Gracie_123Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:01:03 GMT7Revisiting the 1973 Wood Memorial<div><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><span style="color: #000000; ">In this week leading up to the <b><a href="htthttp://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2012_Wood_Memorial_G1p://">Wood Memorial</a></b><a href="htthttp://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2012_Wood_Memorial_G1p://">,</a> I thought it would be a great idea to revisit a Wood Memorial of past. The 1973 Wood Memorial pitted legendary </span><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Secretariat" target="_blank"><b>Secretariat</b></a><span style="color: #000000; "> against his biggest rival, </span><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Sham" target="_blank"><b>Sham</b></a><span style="color: #000000; ">. This last prep before their Derby start was the race that would crown the Derby favorite, but sometimes it doesn’t end up that way.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">As the gates flew open that day, the famed </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Secretariat</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> flew out of the gate clean and settled in behind the pack in 7th position. Sham took his position in second just outside of the fast-out-of-the-gate <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Angle_Light" target="_blank"><b>Angle Light</b></a>. All around the track, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Sham</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> remained second to the leader Angle Light who never gave up his position. Secretariat did make up some ground as the race progressed; half way through the race he passed 2 other horses making it into 5th and then around the final turn and down the stretch the future immortal Secretariat managed to pass another 2 horses but could not make up the ground to finish any better than 3rd behind Sham and Angle Light. But all hope was not lost that day, as we know Secretariat would go on to win not only the Kentucky Derby but would be dominating in all of the Triple Crown races. He would of course later be referred to as the Greatest Race Horse of All Time (no disrespect to <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Man_O_War" target="_blank"><b>Man o’ War</b></a>).</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Why is this important to visit now? Because last week started the end of our </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> prep races and because right now we are in the middle of figuring out what the field will shape up to be that <b><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/polls/current/kentucky_derby_2012_contenders">First Saturday in May</a></b>. Now I am not calling any of these horses Secretariat; nor am I calling any of them </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Angle Light</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> who finished a dismal 10th in the </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> after his defeat of the champion. But what I am saying is…do not discount anyone too prematurely. </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> champs can lose their final prep and still take home the roses.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Did you know that only half of the </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> winners since 2000 has won their final prep? That’s right, only 50% of the </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> winners won their final prep. The others have finished second or as far down as fourth prior to going to </span>Louisville<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> to strut their stuff. Now, it could be said that the more ‘dominate’ horses did win their prep leading into the </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; ">. Horsing greats like </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Big_Brown" target="_blank"><b>Big Brown</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Barbaro" target="_blank"><b>Barbaro</b> </a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">and </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Smarty_Jones" target="_blank"><b>Smarty Jones</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">; but many that we have come to consider great came up short like </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Funny_Cide" target="_blank"><b>Funny Cide</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Street_Sense" target="_blank"><b>Street Sense</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> and </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Monarchos" target="_blank"><b>Monarchos</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">. I can see a few of each of these in the field on Derby Day May 5th.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Sometimes, good horses lose races. Sometimes, horses with the potential to be great horses lose races. But the difference between a great horse losing a race and a good horse losing a race is what they take out of that race. Races unfold as they do and sometimes, no matter what we envisioned based on figures, it comes out differently. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><img style="float: right;" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/hoy4njmn.jpg"><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">This past weekend, we saw our </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> favorite lose his last prep before the </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; ">. What I think many people may be missing is the experience he gained from the race. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Union Rags </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">(and his jockey) can make up late ground if he has to and in a field of 20 gunning for the number one prize in all of racing, he may have to. We also learned that Union Rags is able to get in trouble and start up again. In fact, he actually made about 3 separate runs. We learned something about <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Union_Rags" target="_blank"><b>Union Rags</b></a>, whether we jump ship or not. Union Rags got a little more experience and hopefully his rider learned something too.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">I know we all want to beat up on the jockey, but sometimes jockeys get out jockeyed; and Saturday, </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Julien_R_Leparoux" target="_blank"><b>Julien Leparoux</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> was out jockeyed. No, not by </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Calvin_H_Borel" target="_blank"><b>Calvin Borel</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> (although his riding was superb and his horse looked great) but by </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Javier_Castellano" target="_blank"><b>Javier Castellano</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> and I think Leparoux learned something.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">I am sticking with Union Rags as the future </span>Derby<span style="font-size: 10pt; "> winner because the Florida Derby is a lot different than the Kentucky Derby. I think excuses (facts) can be made for his performance in the Florida Derby. I agree with </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Gary_L_Stevens" target="_blank"><b>Gary Stevens</b></a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; "> when he said, that as a jockey in the Kentucky Derby you are more worried about your trip than other horse’s trip. I feel confident that Castellano and every other jockey there will be concentrating on the trip of their horse instead of the trip of Union Rags.</span>&nbsp;</span>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/Revisiting_the_1973_Wood_Memorial_123Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:01:36 GMT7Kentucky Derby 2012 Point/Counterpoint: Alpha vs. Bodemeister<div><b>The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/polls/current/kentucky_derby_2012_contenders" target="_blank" title="Kentucky Derby 2012 Contenders">Kentucky Derby</a>&nbsp;always features a host of B-List contenders who jump on the A-List on Derby day. This week, Race Talk's Girl Next Door, Angela D'Amico says<span style="color: #ff0000; ">&nbsp;Alpha&nbsp;</span>isn't a beta horse, while Managing Editor Brian Zipse says<span style="color: #ff0000; ">&nbsp;Bodemeister&nbsp;</span>will live up to his famous name!</b><b><span style="color: #ff0000; ">&nbsp;</span></b></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><br><table border="0" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="1" ><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center; "><img alt="Alpha" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/Alpha%20264x166.jpg"></div></td><td><br></td><td><div style="text-align: center; "><img alt="Bodemeister" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/Bodemeister%20276x166.jpg"></div></td></tr><tr><td width="312"><img alt="Race Talk With The Girl Next Door" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/poc051zt.jpg" style="float: left; "></td><td width="10"><br></td><td width="312"><img alt="Zipse At The Track" align="left" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/zipse%20305x55.jpg"></td></tr><tr><td><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><strong>Angela D'Amico:</strong></span></p><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">What does it take to be a Derby winner? How about a horse bred by Darley to love the dirt and the classic distance? That’s right,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Alpha" target="_blank" title="Alpha"><b>Alpha</b></a>&nbsp;by Bernardini, was bred with the first Saturday in May in mind. He was bred to love the dirt and to have the stamina to handle those long runs. Alpha shares his sire with another Derby contender that everyone was marking as a favorite until he was sidelined, Algorithms.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Getting to the first Saturday in May is half the battle; the road is harsh and many horses become sidelined before they reach the starting gate. It happened to Uncle Mo, and this year has seen Algorithms, Out of Bounds, and others sidelined, but with the path taken by Alpha he should have no problem getting to the starting gate. He has been a lightly raced colt, winning just enough graded stakes to make sure he has the money but not pushing himself too much prior to the big show. His next start in the Wood, win or lose, is a great place for him to run next. With the most prominent names heading elsewhere, this race will give Alpha the chance to get in a paid work and get used to the starting gate (which seems to be his main issue).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">This little colt is steadily improving. He finished 2nd in the Champagne stakes to Union Rags, not bad for his second race ever! Then due to his gate issues he finished 11th in the Juvenile, but he then came back to win the Count Fleet. He had no easy trip in the Count Fleet bobbling at the start and going wide around the turns, but he still managed the win with an 85 Beyer Figure. In his race leading us up to the Wood Memorial, he went a 1 1/16, with a higher assigned weight than the competition, went about 4 wide around the turns and still earned a win with a 90 Beyer. I like what I see…improvement.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><br></span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Although the jockey on this winning team for the Derby is yet unknown, the idea of losing Ramon doesn’t bother me one bit. As a matter of fact, I am thrilled with the idea of Ramon riding Hansen over all of his many, many other mounts. This leaves the possibility of Alpha being wide open for a fast healing Garrett Gomez. Just a thought, but he does have a past with this horse. I know the outcome of that race was not what I was betting on, but since he was already knows the colt a little bit, McLaughlin may as well have the best rider out there on his horse. I think that the pick up mount - Derby win angle, started last year, could become a trend.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">I know we keep hearing about Union Rags and Hansen, but don’t leave Alpha off of your Derby tickets. He is flying under the radar right now, and we may just get a great price on this future Derby winner.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br></span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br></span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><br></span></div></td><td width="10"><br></td><td width="312"><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><strong>Brian Zipse</strong>:</span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">That’s a good question you ask, Angie, and one that is asked by everyone involved in this sport on a yearly basis. Luck may be the most important factor, but a talented horse in the hands of a master horseman can certainly improve the odds. One such horse is an attractive son of Belmont Stakes winner, Empire Maker, named&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Bodemeister" target="_blank" title="Bodemeister"><b>Bodemeister</b></a>. Named after the son of three-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer, Bob Baffert, Bodemeister is both loaded with talent and in about as good of hands as a Kentucky Derby contender could hope for.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Yes, the Derby trail can be a perilous path for these young hopefuls. Not only do they have to remain a picture of health during the months leading up to the first Saturday in May, but they also need to collect enough in graded stakes earnings to qualify for the 20 horse field. For good or for bad it seems like a lightly raced horse that can peak in the spring, is now the popular way for a horse to reach Louisville. Both of our choices have some work to do on the earnings front, but I am confident they will take care of that in their next outing. Whether it is the Santa Anita Derby or the Arkansas Derby for Bodemeister, I am expecting a big effort.</span></p></div><div><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br></span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">After a solid 2nd place finish in his January debut, Bodemeister left many a jaw dropping with a stunning maiden victory in his second start. Arguably the most impressive 3yo performance so far this year, he absolutely ran away from a promising bunch of maidens in 1:34.45 for the mile. It was the kind of a performance that you see from a special horse, but he would need to show he could do it against stakes horses, and for the most part he did that in his next start. Running in one of the deepest prep fields so far, Bodemeister proved his class with a solid performance in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes. He was a little green in the stretch, but I saw it as a perfect progression for a talented young horse clearly on his way up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><br></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Alpha not only had a chance against the best in his generation, but he had it around two-turns at Churchill Downs. Excuse or no, he failed. He reminds me of Stay Thirsty (also by Bernardini) in that way, and we all know how he fared in the Derby. Meanwhile, Bodemeister has only had one chance against topnotch competition, and he ran a very promising race. Sure he did not beat Creative Cause that day, but he was competitive and much the best of the rest, and all this in only his third lifetime start. At this stage of his career, there is plenty of reason to believe he will improve with more racing, and considering the trajectory of his first three starts, that should be more than just a little bit scary to his competition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br></span></p></div><div><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">I agree. While the likes of Union Rags, Hansen, and Creative Cause are looking good and currently dominating the Derby chatter, the 2012 trail seems to offer a plethora of other interesting prospects, and for the reasons outlined above, I like Bodemeister as well as anyone of that bunch.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br></span></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 12pt; ">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Arial; "><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; ">See where your favorites rank in&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/polls/current/kentucky_derby_2012_contenders" target="_blank" title="Top 250 Kentucky Derby 2012 Contenders List"><span style="font-size: 12pt; ">HRN's Kentucky Derby 2012 Contenders</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; ">!</span></b></span></span></div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/Kentucky_Derby_2012_Point_Counterpoint_Alpha_vs_Bodemeister_2_123Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:53:02 GMT1My Eclipse Awards Picks<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">I am trying to enjoy what 2011 gave us before heading into the 2012 Road to the Roses, but that has been hard to do with the Sham Stakes already in the book, but I managed to find a little time to think Eclipse Awards.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; color: #000000; ">Here are my picks in my favorite Eclipse Award Divisions.</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">AMERICAN CHAMPION 2-YEAR OLD COLT</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">This category really comes down to <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/union_rags" target="_blank">Union Rags</a></strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/union_rags" target="_blank"> </a>or <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/hansen" target="_blank">Hansen</a></strong>. There are so many <img align="left" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/bvtsfs2g.jpg" alt="" />reasons I would like to vote for both of these horses. Union Rags dominated this division every race he ran. He won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special and the Grade 1 Champagne stakes. He did not take home the Breeders Cup this year, but was so impressive in defeat that I think this horse is superior to the rest in this division. His resume this year is similar to that of Hansen, both won a grade 1 stakes race and even though Hansen took the Breeders Cup over Union Rags I would still vote Union Rags because of his other wins in a graded stakes races. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">&nbsp;</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">AMERICAN CHAMPION 3-YEAR OLD MALE HORSE</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">This division is in shambles really, I don’t know if we don’t have enough good horses in this division or if they are so evenly matched that there are no stand outs. My thoughts on this division changed with each and every race. I thought, <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/animal_kingdom" target="_blank">Animal Kingdom</a></strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/animal_kingdom" target="_blank"> </a>for awhile; even after his defeat in the Preakness and the Belmont. But after his injury putting him out for the rest of the season, I was not comfortable going with him although I would not be the least bit upset if he was given the honors. So I started looking elsewhere. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">For awhile I thought maybe <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/ruler_on_Ice" target="_blank">Ruler on Ice </a></strong>would make a good Three Year Old Champ. He finished no worse than fourth the entire season, he showed up to win the Belmont, and he made a try at the Classic and then turned around and entered the Clarke Handicap where I thought he would solidify his bid for Champion Three Year Old. But that was not to be. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">But then an interesting thought from other media outlets…<strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/caleb's_posse" target="_blank">Caleb’s Posse</a></strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">I entertained the idea of Caleb’s Posse, but came up with this…Caleb’s Posse sat out all three of the Triple Crown races not to mention the summer classics like the Haskell and the Travers so he could not get my vote. True, he may have been the most consistent pony with the best resume at the end of the year, but I do not think that sitting out all of the 3 year old races should get you 3-year old division honors. If he does win, I won’t be upset and it will not be a travesty; I just like the 3-year old champ to have at least showed up to the big 3-year old races. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">But someone has to be named Champion Three Year Old and so then I thought about <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/stay_thirsty" target="_blank">Stay Thirsty</a></strong>. I can hear your disgruntled growls right now, but think about this; he had a decent campaign this year; he showed up to every race. He started at Aqueduct to win the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes, then we saw him finish 7<sup>th</sup> in the Grade 1 Florida Derby, he faired even worse in the Kentucky Derby finishing 12<sup>th</sup> but bounced back nicely to a second place finish in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes over a sloppy track. I kept thinking he should be in contention when he returned to the winner circle in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes and thought he was a clear cut choice when he won the Grade 1 Travers. But a hand full of loses does not make your resume look better just because you tried. So I pressed onward and ended right back at the beginning. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">Animal Kingdom is my pick for champion 3 year old. This horse showed up for the three-year old races this year, came in first, then second and then sixth with a troubled trip. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">AMERICAN CHAMPION OLDER MALE HORSE</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">I would almost like to say that <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/drosselmeyer" target="_blank">Drosselmeyer</a></strong> should take this award this year; he did after all win ‘the biggest race of the year’. But I don’t think that a politician could even bullshit his way through that so I have to search elsewhere. But this division feels a lot like the 3-Year Old Division.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">I guess I can start with <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/flat_out" target="_blank">Flat Out</a></strong>. He looked like a champ heading to the Breeders Cup but after the dust settled he had to settle for fifth, but the Clarke was going to give him that extra boast he needed to win the division honors. That didn’t happen, so here is what he accomplished. Flat Out came in second in a Grade 3 race, beaten by <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/awesome_gem" target="_blank">Awesome Gem</a></strong>; finished a poor 6<sup>th</sup> in the Grade 1 Stephan Foster but then things started to turn around. He finished first in the Grade 2 Suburban, finished second to <strong>Tizway </strong>in the Grade 1 Whitney, finished second to Havre De Grace in the Woodward (no shame in that) then finished first again in the Grade 1 Jockey Gold Cup beating the eventual Classic winner. Is that resume good enough to get him a trophy…probably not. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Tizway" target="_blank">Tizway</a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; "> is also a name that jumped out there for awhile and with good reason. Before being retired for the year he won the Grade 1 Met Mile and the Grade 1 Whitney. He also finished third in his other 2 starts for the year. This record made him the likely favorite in the Breeders Cup, but he was injured and unable to run. He also sat out the Jockey Club Gold Cup with injury allowing Flat Out to emerge as the best older male horse. Since Tizway did sit out these last 2 races, even with injury, I am not sure I would be able to vote for him.</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Then I keep hearing about <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/acclamation" target="_blank">Acclamation</a></strong>.&nbsp; Although his victories came on turf or poly this horse could have the most impressive resume. As for Grade 1’s he won the Pacific Coast Classic, Charles Whittingham and the Eddie Read Stakes. His other wins came in the Grade 2 Jim Murray and Clement L Hirsch. I don’t think there is a reason to go any further than this horse when looking for an older champ. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">AMERICAN CHAMPION 2-YEAR OLD FILLY</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">This is a no contest division. This is the division where the Breeders Cup really made a difference. There were quite a few horses that could have snatched this award with their records and we needed the Breeders Cup race to tell them apart, and that is exactly what the race did. <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/my_miss_aurelia" target="_blank">My Miss Aurelia </a></strong>romped home crushing her field of peers. She not only won the race, she looked great doing it. Prior to her win in the Breeders Cup, she won the Grade 2 Adirondack and the Grade 1 Frizette after breaking her maiden. If many consider her the Horse of the Year, she is a sure bet for Champion Two Year Old Filly. This category is all My Miss Aurelia. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: blue; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: red; ">AMERICAN CHAMPION 3-YEAR OLD FILLY</span></strong></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">The problem with this division is that there are so many horses to like. I was not a big fan of the Oaks winner <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/plum_pretty" target="_blank">Plum Pretty</a></strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/plum_pretty" target="_blank"> </a>but her record could not be denied. She competed in 5 Grade 1 races this year; she only won 1 of them, but finished second twice and had 1 show and 1 fourth place finish. She also won a Grade 2 race and a non graded stakes. She gave the Ladies Classic a try, but lost to <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/royal_delta" target="_blank">Royal Delta</a></strong>. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">Speaking of Royal Delta aside from winning the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic, she also managed to win the Alabama and finish second in the Beldame behind Havre De Grace (no shame there). She did, however, finish 3<sup>rd</sup> in the Grade 1 Coaching Club America Oaks behind <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/edit/www.horseracingnation.com/horse/it's_tricky" target="_blank">It’s Tricky</a></strong>. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; color: black; ">Now Its Tricky was my sentimental favorite horse of this division and I think she should get mention in year end honors. She defeated the Ladies Classic Champ by winning the CCAOaks; she also won the Grade 1 Acorn. Her Triple Tiara bid was crushed when Royal Delta turned the tables and beat Its Tricky in the Alabama. She then f</span></div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/My_Eclipse_Awards_Picks_123Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:16:47 GMT8My Best of 2011<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">As the end of the 2011 year draws near I decided to give you a list of my favorite moments of the year. Here is to remembering 2011…</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">#5—<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Havre_De_Grace" target="_blank"><strong>Havre De Grace</strong> </a>romps in the Woodward</span></div> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type="disc"> <li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Since this is the second time a lady would win the Woodward it is not number 1, but since I never get sick of watching the ladies clobber the boys I have to put it on my list. Havre De Grace met up with the boys in this thriller and as expected it quickly became a paid workout for her. <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Larry_J_Jones" target="_blank"><strong>Larry Jones</strong> </a>had his mare in such great shape she barely broke a sweat against the field. This was the first time she met the boys and she did it with such ease that it was one of the greatest watches of the year. </span></li></ul> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">#4—<strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Court_Vision" target="_blank">Court Vision</a></strong> beats the 3 time turf champ Goldikova</span></div> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type="disc"> <li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">The race was already going to be in the top 5 of 2011 moments because of <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Goldikova" target="_blank">Goldikova</a></strong>, but it is the exciting stretch run between <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Turallure" target="_blank">Turallure</a></strong> and Court Vision that makes it such a great race. Having bet on Turallure, I held my breath as the judges reviewed the photo for what seemed to be an eternity. When the judges made their decision it was the 64-1 shot that denied our turf queen her 4<sup>th</sup> straight Breeder’s Cup. </span></li></ul> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">#3—<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Mike_E_Smith" target="_blank"><strong>Mike Smith</strong> </a>wins his 2<sup>nd</sup> Classic in Three Years</span></div> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type="disc"> <li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">The racing gods that Mike Smith must have pissed off prior to the 2010 Breeder’s Cup Classic must have forgiven him prior to this year’s Classic. Mike Smith (aboard a horse that Nostradamus couldn’t have predicted a Classic win from) would dual with <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Chantal_Sutherland" target="_blank"><strong>Chantal Sutherland</strong> </a>all the way down the stretch at Churchill. Last year, Smith battled down the stretch but came up short and this year in my moment number 3 he came up on top. Nice to see Karma in action. This race is very significant as it was the ‘Battle of the Exes II’ and gave Smith the tie for leading Breeder Cup wins. </span></li></ul> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">#2—<a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Rapid_Redux" target="_blank"><strong>Rapid Redux</strong> </a>makes history</span></div> <ul style="MARGIN-TOP: 0in" type="disc"> <li style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">No list would be complete without this story. Rapid Redux is not a <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Cigar" target="_blank">Cigar</a></strong> he is not a <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Zenyatta" target="_blank">Zenyatta</a> </strong>but somehow this claiming horse has made history. Last year, racing fans were lucky enough to see Z tie <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Peppers_Pride" target="_blank"><strong>Peppers Pride</strong> </a>for the longest win streak and this year, we were able to see it broken. He was never in a stakes race and I know you all can’t wait to shout about that below…but give this guy some credit, 20 wins in a row. Think about that; it had never been done before and he definitely deserves a spot on my list. Rapid Redux, the little claimer that could<span style="font-family: Wingdings; "><span style="font-family: Verdana; ">J</span></span></span></span></li></ul> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">And the #1 moment of 2011 goes to……the <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2011_Delaware_Hcp_G2"><strong>Delaware Handicap</strong></a>! That’s right, the rivalry that has captured our attention for well over a year. <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Blind_Luck" target="_blank"><strong>Blind Luck</strong> </a>and Havre De Grace have met many times, at many tracks all over the country, but it would be this race that stands out. The stretch run was superb. “Havre De Grace and Blind Luck as they turn from home…Blind Luck on the outside, Havre De Grace battling gamely on the inside…Havre De Grace…Blind Luck…” and so it went back and forth all the way down the stretch. In the end it was Blind Luck who would be victorious. This is my number one moment not only because of the dramatic stretch run but because unbeknownst to us that day in July it would be their final meeting. That race would be the end of what will be one of the greatest rivalries in horseracing. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">Hope you enjoyed the list and I look forward to hearing about your favorite moments of 2011. Until next week, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; ">&nbsp;</span></div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/My_Best_of_2011_123Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:01:58 GMT11And the Award for Outstanding Jockey goes to…<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><img align="left" src="http://c482943.r43.cf2.rackcdn.com/x1qg33ya.jpg" alt="" />Most other bloggers have given you their picks for Horse of the Year and you have heard over and over who should get the Three-year old honors, but it’s my turn to give my pick for the award I look forward to the most: Outstanding Jockey. I know that Champion Three Year Old and Horse of the Year are bigger and more anticipated in our sport, but these usually go to the horses that I would pick as the winners. The Outstanding Jockey award NEVER goes to who I think Jock of the Year should be, so let me start shooting off my facts and figures and see if anyone is listening. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/John_R_Velazquez" target="_blank">John Velazquez</a></strong><span><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/John_R_Velazquez" target="_blank"> </a>came into 2011 with the Champion 2-Year Old and the Derby favorite. Derby favorite is familiar ground to Mr. Velazquez, but this would be the first Derby win for him. Congrats to him! I know that does not win you an Eclipse Award (even ask <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Calvin_H_Borel" target="_blank">Calvin Borel</a></strong>) but lets dissect his year and then you will see how I came up with Johnny V. </span></span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">The Road to the Roses was a pretty smooth ride to him; he had his choice of horses on the way, but none like the undefeated <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Uncle_Mo" target="_blank">Uncle Mo</a>.</strong> Johnny won the Timely Writer, finished in the money in the Wood, won the Swale, finished third in the Fountain of Youth but then his choice&nbsp;Uncle Mo was scratched from the Derby. Luckily for John, Animal Kingdom was available (not so lucky for <strong><a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Robby_Albarado" target="_blank">Robby Albarado </a></strong>who should have won his first Derby this year). </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">With <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/horse/Animal_Kingdom" target="_blank"><strong>Animal Kingdom</strong> </a>he won the Derby, came in second in the Preakness and did not do too bad considering the trip he had in the Belmont. But the Belmont would be our possible 2012 Dubai World Cup champs last race of the season. But no worries for Johnny…after that he managed a win in the Clarke Handicap (another pick up mount), the E.P. Taylor, the Knickerbocker, the Alcibiades, the Kelso, the Hall of Fame and the Sanford to name a few. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">How about the Breeders’ Cup you ask? Well, Johnny finished in the money 6 times, including 2 wins for the weekend. The Bill Shoemaker award was given to him because of this consistency over the biggest two days of racing. </span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Now if it is riding titles or money that impresses you, I can see you trying to find a way to put other names in the hat like <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Julien_R_Leparoux" target="_blank"><strong>Julien Leparoux</strong> </a>or <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Rafael_Bejarano" target="_blank"><strong>Rafael Bejarano</strong> </a>but let me remind you that it is none other than Jockey Guild President John Velazquez that finished 2<sup>nd</sup> in wins at Gulfstream, 4<sup>th</sup> in wins at Belmont, 1<sup>st</sup> in wins at Saratoga and then back to Belmont to finish 3<sup>rd</sup>. Talk about consistent. If its money you like, how about taking the fact that Johnny V. is second in that division as well. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Seems like every year I am stunned at who wins that award as opposed to who should have won (Calvin Borel 2009 and <a href="http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/Garrett_K_Gomez" target="_blank"><strong>Garrett Gomez</strong> </a>2010) so I am curious to see what the voters will do this year. Best of luck to all the jockeys nominated! </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">&nbsp;</span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000; FONT-SIZE: 10pt">P.S. Speaking of jockeys, has anyone tried to write a letter to Churchill on behalf of the jockeys? I have been sending my letter every week. Let me know. </span></div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/And_the_Award_for_Outstanding_Jockey_goes_to_123Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:42:31 GMT3The Way You See It<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">There has been plenty of talk recently about the bill passed to lift the ban on slaughtering horses. I have seen all over facebook people battle it out both posing as good and calling the other side evil, but how do you see it? Each side has their own set of facts that counter the other sides and each side feel their way is the humane way so how do you feel about the arguments? </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000"><strong>Facts:</strong> </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">A few years back, congress passed a bill to stop the funds of inspections done on horse slaughter houses. Because of this, the slaughter house was unable to sell the meat and the horses to be slaughtered were shipped elsewhere. Prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, a bill was signed that lifted this ban on inspections thus allowing inspections if any slaughter houses were opened. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">That is what we know. Here are the arguments for both sides. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><em><span style="COLOR: #ff0000"><strong>For the Bill</strong></span></em></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">Those for the bill have stated in their arguments that the horses that have seen slaughter are going to slaughter no matter what. They are either going to be slaughtered here in the United States and it may be more humane or they are going to be shipped to Mexico and Canada and be slaughtered there. They argue that allowing the animal to go through such a treacherous journey, while enduring hunger and abuse just to be put down in a torturous way is the problem. They feel in a perfect world, nobody would be slaughtering horses, but since they are there should be a less painful way of slaughtering them. Those that are for the bill have said that the horses that would be sent to slaughter may have been neglected and died a slow, painful death instead of going to the slaughter house. They feel that although the horses would be slaughtered it would ultimately be for their own good rather than being neglected and abused. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #ff0000"><em><strong>Against the Bill</strong></em></span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">Those that are against the bill have been saying that slaughter is morally wrong and unacceptable no matter how humane we may be able to make it. They are trying to get the word out that they oppose slaughter and cruelty of horses. PERIOD. They argue that although many other countries find it acceptable to eat their Derby winner, we as Americans have a voice and they are trying to tell the world they do not find it acceptable. In an ideal world, these against the bill, feel there should be no more slaughter or export to places that do slaughter. But right now, we can only ban the slaughter houses making their American comeback. </span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">&nbsp;</span></span></div> <div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana', 'sans-serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><span style="COLOR: #000000">So I ask you my friends, what is your take? What information do you have about this controversial subject? Please feel free to comment, I look forward to hearing more from all of the racing fans. </span></span></div>http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/RaTalk_Girl/The_Way_You_See_It_123Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:54:53 GMT5